Update, October 2026: Even more ridiculously tall flagpoles have risen across the globe since I wrote out this list 21 years ago. I guess I was distracted.
Today, Wikipedia lists two flagpoles — in Egypt and Azerbaijan — that top 600 feet. Five more exceed 500 feet. Mexico has launched an official program to put up 100-meter (330-foot) or taller flagpoles in major cities around the country. My take is that this apparent mania for super-tall flagpoles flying enormous flags is a particularly male expression of nationalism. But beyond my psycho-vexillological speculations, it’s apparent I can’t keep up with the flagpole builders. So next best thing for those who want a more or less current and authoritative list: Wikipedia’s list of flagpoles by height.
Original post, October 2005: This morning’s exercise in “there’s a couple hours I’ll never get back”: A list of (some) of the world’s tallest flagpoles. An inquiry prompted by driving through Dorris, California (see last night’s post). Of course, the list is non-authoritative, because it’s based on Web resources; on the other hand, in most cases, someone who should know is cited as giving the height of these flagpoles and I’ve cited sources, both strong and not so strong. Also note that the No. 1 flagpole, the one in Panmunjom, North Korea, is not really a flagpole at all but a structure that supports a flagpole at the top; it’s noted in several places that North Korea and South Korea have been engaged in a contest of “can you top this?” and that the North has raised the height of its tower more than once.
1. Panmunjom, North Korea: 525 feet (Source: Guinness Book of World Records)
2. Aqaba, Jordan: 433 feet (Source: Wikipedia)
3. Amman, Jordan: 416 feet (Source: Middle East Online; height also given as 410 feet by manufacturer).
4. Abu Dhabi: 403.5 feet (Source: Middle East Online)
5. Sheboygan, Wisconsin: 338 feet (Source: Sheboygan Public Library)
6. Bahrain: 330 feet (Source: U.S. Flags and Flagpole Supply)
7. Panmunjom, South Korea: 328 feet (Source; Wikipedia)
8, Brasilia, Brazil: 328 feet (source: U.S. State Department)
9. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: 312-328 feet (described variously as 95 and 100 meters)
10. Fort Wayne, Indiana: 232 feet (Source: U.S. Flags and Flagpole Supply)
11. Dorris, California: 200 feet (Source: Butte Valley Chamber of Commerce, Dorris Lions Club)
12. Calipatria, California: 184 feet (Source: city of Calipatria)
Don’t miss the ultimate showdown between Church and State! Coming in Spring 2006! My Flagpole is Taller Than Yours goes fatuousity-to-fatuousity with My God Can Beat Up Your God! Exclusively on The Outdoor Life Network! Get ready to render!!
Wow. Thanks for that. If I ever go on Jeopardy, then this five minutes of reading, looking at links and writing this comment will have really been worth it.
“I’ll take Flagpoles for 800, Alex.”
I do like Lydell’s flagpole comment, however. Clever.
“Flagpole” – so that’s what the kids are callin’ it these days.